Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for nearly one in five deaths - about 443,000 premature deaths each year. More than 49,000 non-smokers die as a result of exposure to second-hand smoke.

The ACS also estimates that between 2000 and 2004, smoking caused more than $193 billion in annual health-related costs, including smoking-attributable medical costs and productivity losses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the annual cost of tobacco use to an employer averages about $3,400 per smoker per year in medical costs and absenteeism.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to think about helping yourself or someone you know quit tobacco use.

Employers can play an important role in helping their employees quit tobacco. These days, it seems like we all spend more and more time at work, and workplace wellness programs provide support and incentives that can help employees stay focused on quitting.

Employers may consider creating a tobacco-free workplace for the health of all of their employees. Policies and programs can be implemented in phases.

n Establish a Tobacco-Free Worksite Policy. Focus on the benefits of a safe, healthy workplace. Organizations like the ACS provide samples of such policies on their websites.

n Develop workplace-based support initiatives. Providing onsite cessation programs, support groups with counseling, and access to cessation medicines can remove barriers that prevent your employees from taking steps to quit.

n Consider implementing tobacco-free hiring policies. Pennsylvania is one of 21 states that allow employers not to hire applicants whose urine tests positive for nicotine. Employers, especially in health fields, are taking this step to promote health and reduce medical costs.

At Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, eliminating tobacco use is a key component in our efforts to promote a healthy, productive workforce. Through a comprehensive wellness program, our employees and their spouses can earn wellness rewards for not using tobacco, and for other healthy behaviors like keeping their weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels in check.

Since 2005, the percentage of our employees who are tobacco users has declined to 7 percent - less than half the normal incidence in our region. And we predict those numbers will keep declining.

Check with your health insurance provider to find out what types of tobacco cessation support they offer. For example, if your health care coverage is provided through Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, you have full access to our Blue Health Solutions program.

Nicotine addiction is powerful and kicking the habit is hard. Employers can help by creating a tobacco-free workplace and a wellness program that can improve the health of employees and the bottom line.

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